Well the dust has only just settled on Cheltenham and we are straight into Aintree and the build up to Saturday’s Grand National. As usual I will be focusing my efforts each day on the big races and finding you some winners, so make sure you check the blog each day for my latest post and also follow me on Facebook Racing Profits Page and Twitter @RacingProfits

The opening day of the Aintree Grand National Festival has no less than four Grade 1 races, so plenty to get stuck into.

1:45 Mainfesto Novices’ Chase

I am going to take on La Bague Au Roi, the favourite in the opener, with GLEN FORSA who was a convincing winner of the Kingmaker Novices’ Chase at Sandown, beating Kalashnikov by no less than 19 lengths. He was unlucky in the Arkle at the Festival when a rare mistake saw hum unseat Jonathan Burke and I can see him making amends here on a flatter tracker which will suit him.

RP TIP: GLEN FORSA – 2pts to win at 7/2

2:20 Doom Bar Juvenile Hurdle

I am sticking with the Triumph Hurdle winner PENTLAND HILLS who won despite making an early mistake in the race and it only being his 2nd start over hurdles. I could see plenty more improvement to come and he will love the Aintree track.

RP TIP: PENTLAND HILLS – 2pts to win at 2/1

2:50 Betway Bowl Chase

A competitive renewal this year and I like the chances of BRISTOL DE MAI after his 3rd in the Gold Cup and winning the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November, he is the one to put it to the two at the top of the market. He can make up for finishing 2nd to Might Bite in last year’s race.

RP TIP: BRISTOL DE MAI – 2pts to win at 11/4

3:25 Aintree Hurdle

The prohibitive price of Buveur D’Air means I will be backing his stablemate VERDANA BLUE, who proved she is in superb form when winning the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, beating the favourite. She loves flat tracks and the conditions will be far more suited than in the Champion Hurdle. I would rather take 12/1 on her.

RP TIP: VERDANA BLUE – 1pt each way at 12/1

Enjoy Day 1 and don’ t forget to check back here tomorrow for my round up of Day 2’s action and another four Grade 1’s